Also missed in some of our test runs were some remaining desktop items that were still active. While the malware wasn't running that it was still present on the desktop wasn't ideal.

Interestingly, ESET also removed some stubborn Japanese adware that most competing antivirus software missed.

In the next phase of our malware tests, the real-time protection tests, ESET did much extremely well.

We first installed a fresh, updated copy of ESET NOD32 Antivirus onto freshly loaded versions of Windows, then attempted to download and install our various malware samples.

ESET blocked the majority of threats, including the most malicious ones we tested, leaving some adware as the sore spot that got through again.

Most impressively was its performance in the third part of our tests, antiphishing, where ESET nailed a perfect 100% score.

Few antivirus software companies can claim a perfect score at blocking all of our phishing samples. ESET is one of them.

Phishing scams can be far more devastating than most people think. They can pretend to be your bank, credit card company, or even a stock brokerage, and then take complete control of those accounts... and of course all your money in the process.

Excellent antiphishing such as ESET has is essential, and it's baked into their entry-level product.

One other noteworthy thing about ESET, it's one of only two products we tested that automatically scans USB devices for infections. Why more manufacturers don't do this is a huge mystery.

Resource Usage: 91%

Resource usage for ESET was very good. When running idle, ESET NOD32 Antivirus ran silently in the background.

When running a full-system scan, ESET used about 10% of system resources which is well within the acceptable range.

Boot up time was slightly slower than the competition, but only by a few seconds.

This shouldn't have much impact for the average user.

User Interface: 92%

Click images to enlarge

ESET's user interface is new and improved this year. We thought last year's version was good; this year is a little better.

There's a standard left-hand navigation making it very easy to get around. Everything is clearly labeled, so finding any settings you need is easy.

Text in some places is smaller than we typically like to see, but in spite of it, it doesn't affect usability.

With the latest release, ESET does one of the best jobs of catering to both novices and advanced users, a tough task to pull off.

For example, the basic screen has the at-a-glance info you need, but getting to its most advanced controls, as power users will want to, typically takes just a couple of clicks from the home screen.

Overall, it's one of the best looking, most effective interfaces we tested this year.

Technical Support: 95%

ESET is one of just two companies in our line-up that includes 100% free, U.S.-based technical support.

[Norton started offering free support this year, too, but it's done offshore.]

While other antivirus companies claim to have "free" support, they don't tell you the whole story: they typically outsource / offshore their support to places like India, the Philippines, or Eastern Europe, and hit you with hidden charges for so-called "advanced" or "premium" support.

Not ESET.

Bottom line: if your PC gets infected while running ESET, they'll help you get rid of it for free. No hidden charges or service fees.1

And, it's all done from San Diego, California. Nothing outsourced.

In our tests of their support system, we were always speaking to a competent, skilled tech who got our issues resolved on the first try.

They stand by their product and are willing to offer free support to prove it. A smart idea every company should adopt.

(1 If your PC is infected before you install ESET, there's a $50 removal fee if you need their help. Anytime after that, professional removal help is always free.)

ESET performed well above average in each of our malware/virus tests despite missing some adware. While other antivirus software failed to block some obvious threats, ESET was able to protect our testing PCs against the really dangerous stuff.

We're also happy to see ESET has continued its commitment to free U.S.-based tech support.

And with a new and improved design, ESET NOD32 Antivirus rounds out to be an excellent antivirus product.

Software Version

2016

Supported Operating System (OS)

Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7, Vista, XP

Minimum RAM Required

1 GB

Minimum Space Required

320 MB

Required Processor Speed

1 GHz

Money-back Guarantee

30 Days

Software Manufacturer

ESET

Click images to enlarge

Home Screen

Computer Scan

Update

Tools

Setup

Support

Scanning

Stats

USB device scanning

Scans any device inserted into your USB drive. A vital screening process for a highly vulnerable part of your computer.

Social media scanner

Helps protect you against dangerous threats in your social media posts and feeds.